Educators inspire students to positively contribute and responsibly participate in the digital world. The program shall prepare candidates who:
(i) Create experiences for learners to make positive, socially responsible contributions and exhibit empathetic behavior online that build relationships and community;
(ii) Establish a learning culture that promotes curiosity and critical examination of online resources and fosters digital literacy and media fluency;
(iii) Mentor students in the safe, ethical, and legal practice with digital tools and protection of intellectual rights and property; and
(iv) Model and promote management of personal data and digital identity, and protect student data privacy.
It is very common for adults to imply concern regarding the society of internet connectivity and its impact on children. The generations now going through school face a completely different developmental environment than any generations before them. It is clear that schools have a responsibility to teach well-rounded students to enter the career field in the 21st century.
Throughout the program I have learned about many systems for application in training and education. The need for a balanced education that both promotes technological integration while mentoring for positive interactions and responsible contributions is evident. The artifacts below indicate some areas of development I have had to fulfill this need.
During the practicum placement I was able to design a digital citizenship unit in collaboration with a teacher. The teacher indicated a desire to provide instruction in privacy and safety to her students. We worked together to identify needs and I designed a unit around these indicated needs. The chance to try and apply the various knowledges and techniques I have read was extremely beneficial in gaining experience in this area.
In addition to the unit, I also had the opportunity to create a digital citizenship video that surrounded the use of discussion boards to promote their use to students and teach the expectations for adequately interacting within discussions. This mini-lesson helped my students to look deeply at their interaction in discussions for their quality.
Click the link above to access the webpage for the Collaborative Unit on Digital Citizenship.